The Kernwood was designed by Thomas F. McManus of Boston and was built by Oxner & Story in Essex County, Massachusetts.

[2] Captain Charles O. Beebe was assigned to the pilot boat Trenton, and sailed to Long Branch, New Jersey on 10 October 1910, looking for incoming steamers.

The Trenton, had a crew of six and six Apprenticeship boys under the instruction of Captain Beebe.

[6] On December 29, 1934, the Trenton was the only boat that arrived safely at Cape Verde after a five week journey.

The crew on board were able to escape in lifeboats and reached land near Dakar, a city in West Africa.